Palindromes

The movie begins with the funeral of Dawn Weiner, whose death from suicide shocks her family and friends. Aviva, Dawn's 13-year-old cousin, struggles to understand the reasons behind her tragic decision, particularly as it was linked to an unwanted pregnancy.

Aviva grapples with her own conflicting feelings about motherhood, expressing an intense desire to be pregnant. This stark contrast to Dawn's fate underscores Aviva's misunderstood youth and her urgent longing for connection.

In her quest for companionship and understanding, Aviva encounters Judah, a family friend who becomes overly willing to fulfill her desire for intimacy. This event marks a pivotal moment in Aviva's awakening to her own sexuality and reckless decisions.

After some time, Aviva discovers she is pregnant, much to the horror of her parents. They quickly respond by forcing her to terminate the pregnancy, leading to a medical procedure that leaves her sterile, a fact they keep from her.

Devastated by her circumstances and feeling misunderstood, Aviva decides to run away from home. She embarks on a journey to find a new father for her 'future child', aiming to take control of her life and desires.

On her journey, Aviva meets Bob, a truck driver who agrees to engage in a sexual relationship with her, despite her young age. This relationship highlights Aviva’s desperation for connection and the dangers she faces as she navigates her adolescence.

After their brief encounter, Bob abandons Aviva at a motel, leaving her feeling betrayed and alone. This event further plunges her into a sense of isolation as she wanders into the nearby forest, searching for purpose.

While lost in the forest, Aviva is found by a boy who invites her to stay with his family at the Sunshine Family Home. She soon learns that the home is run by extremist Christians who have sinister motives disguised as care.

Aviva discovers that the Sunshine Family is involved in illegal activities, including the assassination of abortion doctors. The realization that the truck driver who had previously abandoned her is their hitman leaves her in a moral dilemma about her situation.

Aviva ultimately participates in a violent mission with Bob, during which he accidentally kills an innocent bystander, a young girl. This pivotal moment changes Aviva’s perception of her life choices and the true cost of her desires.

The police catch up with Aviva and Bob at a motel, leading to a tense situation where Bob resorts to suicide by cop. Aviva is left to face the devastating aftermath of her choices as her world crumbles around her.

After the traumatic events, Aviva is returned to her parents, who are unaware of the full extent of her experiences. This reunion marks a turning point for Aviva, as she has been irrevocably changed by her journey.

The film flash forwards to Aviva's 14th birthday, where she meets Dawn's older brother, Mark, who shares dark philosophies on life. Their conversation highlights Aviva’s ongoing struggle with her identity and the events that have shaped her.

Later in the film, Aviva reunites with Judah, now going by Otto, and they rekindle their sexual relationship. This moment reflects Aviva's unending desire for intimacy and connection, despite the damage done by her past experiences.

The film concludes with Aviva expressing her optimism about finally becoming a mother, not knowing that her experiences have rendered her sterile. This poignant ending encapsulates her tragic innocence and the cyclical nature of her desires.